Project manager going down in flames

[The Lone Gunman]

There is more than one concern here.
First is the bullying. The way I am reading it is that he is bullying you to take on more and more work which seems to be working.
Does your contract not state what you will work on and when you will deliver it?

I do not wish to add to your stress, but you must think about your IR35 position. From the sound of it there is clear C&C going on.

I always try, but often fail, to get my clients to produce a written statement of work. One for the whole project then lesser ones for weekly or even daily targets. This may be a full on written job spec, or even as little as an email.
I make sure that I send email requests for this information out even if I get no reply. That way I have supporting evidence to say I have tried and throw the ball back to them if they get arsey. After all, it is not your fault if you do not know the deadlines or hours allocated, particularly as you asked.
Try and make sure there is a paper trail (even if it is virtual).

[hyperD]

I've come to this thread quite late but agree with most of what has been said before.

I've not encountered these extremes but there are plenty of people about that seem either to be threatened by you in some way, or have a deep rooted resentment of contractors or consultants.

The solution is to document everything, what they say, what they do and just keep your calm.

Remember, you always have an option to just walk out there. They probably don't as their abusive behaviour is almost always likely to be hiding their incompetence and fear. I cannot kid you enough: this stuff will kill you with stress. It is not a joke.

To thine own self be true.

If you are able to document and prove their abuse or incompetence then do or otherwise simply politely walk away. No punching of heads in as you walk through the door. You are the one with dignity.

I managed to get two people fired in my early contracting days for mild abuse and incompetence but it was in an environment that allowed for it to happen and the fact that I was professional and extremely competent in my job.

It's a difficult decision but it is better to look for another job than being fearful, even in a tougher market.

[sasguru]

Bullying and intimidation in the workplace are wrong and SHOULD NOT BE TOLERATED, whether you are a permie or a contractor.
There are mechanisms to sort this out - don't just walk out - take it to a tribunal, yourco/you could get quite rightly get substantial compensation.

[lukemg]

This is extreme, thought I had worked at a couple of rough places, they are like a spa compared to your place.
Bullying is about power and control and transferrence. This chap is transferring the grief he is getting in your direction to make him feel more in control. You need to get that back, in a number of ways. First, think Fletch in Porridge, there are a thousand ways to win small battles.
One thing I often do is to get calmer and calmer the more angry people are, I used to use this in support, it's amazing how much more angry it makes people and more ridiculous, inside I wouldn't be stressed I would be trying not to laugh and just gave out platitudes and agreed with them that it was a terrible situation.
Secondly, take away the fear, what are you scared of ? If it is getting sacked, then start looking for another job, this can be quite liberating even if you don't get an immediate offer.
Personally, I would pass responsibility for everything I work on to the boss/pm, do this next time you are questioned, just say look you tell me what to work on and when and I will do it, how can he object to that. If he asks how long something will take, add 20%. Otherwise, for every interruption, refer the caller to your boss to make a decision and at every point you have finished a block of work, request where you are best to devote your energies next. Do this very calmly, despite the provocation.
Thirdly - call them on any threats 'sorry, did you just say you were going to beat me up if this isn't done ?' Preferably in the hearing of others.
There are a million other ways to look like you are totally compliant but to really abdicate all responsibility to those getting paid to make the decisions. If they want to sack you, that's fine, you are better off not there but DO NOT WALK, don't give the b******s the satisfaction, if it ever actually turns to unprovoked violence, call the police immediately and see how they like those apples as a parting gift.

[norrahe]

You should not have to put up with this tulipe.

Start looking for the next available contract and get the hell out!

Or stay put,think of the money and ensure your ass is well covered.

What you're going through makes my city contract seem like a walk in the park.

[BA to the Stars]

SY01 - how did it go today. Did the PM get the chop?

[RichardCranium]

SY01 - how did it go today. Did the PM get the chop?

I doubt we'll hear much from him before he has had a proper skin-full. And I wouldn't blame him either.

[nomadd]

FFS what a bunch of wimps. A one to one in a quiet corner usually sorts out the bullies.

+1

No

+1,000,000

Cheers,

Nomadd

[minestrone]

I have been the target of attempted bullying a few times.

When they try it on Just start smiling like you find the whole thing very funny.

Bullies are always quite insecure and want to exert themselves on you by forcing you into an emotional state for fear. By laughing they know that they have failed and the worst thing an insecure person can have is someone laughing at them.

Works every time.

[suityou01]

I doubt we'll hear much from him before he has had a proper skin-full. And I wouldn't blame him either.

Right you are. Had a good few beers today to rival the beer consumption in my teens, but so pumped up on adrenalin I am powering through.

PM (who is a contactor btw - just to set the record straight) had his interview today and got a favourable response. He is due to have a phone interview on Monday (weird, but they are in Munich)

Suityou02 is pissed off with me and wants me to quit. She has made this extremely clear. Our warchest is depleted as a result of our house move this year, and I feel I cannot bail.

The system architect today confided in me that his team thought the PM was a cock, and couldn't believe I hadn't bailed already.

I am drinking heavily just to get through, and don't know how much longer I can keep up this facade.

Now it is a developer that is going down in flames.